Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the banter between Blakely and Jackson! They were great couple and I loved Jackson and how he saw Blakely struggling when no one else saw it. The age gap was a little bit of an issue for me since she was only 19 and him 28, it was her being under 20 that was a little ick. Overall though I really enjoyed this story and how everything played out with these two.

The audiobook quality was phenomenal. I started to get a little worried that this might be a book that romanticizes mental health struggles but by the end I could never think this book did that! I felt like the arguments of the couple where realistic to a couple who has one member struggling and not wanting to get help while the other is essentially forced to watch and is unable to do anything. I did feel like the age gap being “an issue” was played up too much and wasn’t that much of an issue. Over all a fantastic book.

This was an okay audiobook. Nothing stood out to me and it was just tolerable. I really wanted to love this book series too.

Tropes:
- Age gap
- Forced proximity
- Contemporary romance

First of all, huge thanks to Blackstone publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.

Maybe it’s my lack of experience with this type of audiobooks (we’re dealing with two narrators who read the protagonist’s POV chapters) but isn’t it half the point to swoon at the romantic moments? I can’t do that when a guy is doing his best impression at sounding like a teenage girl, unsuccessfully might I add. It enters silly territory.

It’s even more jarring cause our female narrator is actually good, she’s got nice intonation, inflexion, and we can tell all the characters apart in her chapters. The male narrator sounds kinda stiff, even a little monotone when he’s reading; his “other” male characters all sound pretty much the same, just a slightly deeper tone, and her female characters? Let’s just say he did his best.

As for the book itself, it's… problematic.

Blakely Donahue seems to have it all: she’s 19, an insanely popular influencer, and the daughter of one of the biggest movie producers in the industry. But when her need for perfection and maintaining a flawless front becomes too much, she spirals into panic attacks that get increasingly harder to conceal.
And then there’s Jackson Rhoades. He’s 28, flips cars, works for Blake’s father to fulfill his late father’s wishes, and is supposedly a charmer (or so the book insists).

You put them together and, well: lonely, vulnerable teenager falls madly in love with the first guy in a man bun who gives her the time of day… because he “really sees her.” Or, if you want to flip the headline: man in his late twenties takes advantage of a lonely teenager with anxiety and an eating disorder. Take your pick, and allow me to be horrified.

And yes, I know it’s fiction—but IMO, serious topics like these should be handled with care. This isn’t some dark romance where I knowingly toss my morals out the window. The cover is literally a pastel cartoon, ffs.

*“My intention wasn’t for this to happen, but I can’t help how my body responds when I touch her.”*

—Our male lead, getting a boner right after watching the protagonist have a meltdown in her bathroom.

**And you know what?** This is on me. I’m clearly not the target audience for this book. I tried to suspend my disbelief, I tried to tell myself it’s “just fiction,” but this one hits too close to reality—and not in a good way. I couldn’t get past the almost superficial way these serious issues were handled.

Even putting my moral woes aside, the story itself felt… uninspired. I didn’t particularly like or dislike anyone. The protagonists had zero special chemistry, and their interactions were bland at best. The MMC’s “charming lines” sounded more like something a weird uncle might say (though maybe that’s on the audiobook narrator). The ending? Lackluster. Overall? Color me unimpressed in all possible aspects.

If you enjoy age-gap contemporary romances that land somewhere in the “meh” zone, maybe give it a try—just stick to a written copy, because I can’t, in good conscience, recommend the audiobook.

I absolutely love Emily McIntire and the moment I saw her name I just knew I had to apply. I had the chance to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook, and I’m so glad I did! The narration was immersive and really brought the characters to life. The pacing worked well in audio format, and the emotional beats hit even harder hearing them performed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Audio for review
Jumping into this book I felt like I’d missed a chapter even though I’d read the previous two books.
However reading this story was still fun and had all the Emily Mcintire smut we love. A man so down bad he’d leave it all behind.
A little age gap but it didn’t feel icky. It was played off so well I just wanted them to be able to be public all the time.
This book leaves you content, but still waiting to see what’s next. Only one book left. Very excited to see how it all ends.
Thank you NetGalley and blackstone publishing for this alc

Really enjoyed this audiobook. Overall I enjoy Emily as an author and to this day haven't read or listened to a book of hers that I haven't enjoyed and this one was no different. I felt all the feels with this one and it broke my heart her struggle but I loved that he was there to support her when he could be. The MMCs grumpy character is just one of the things that make him book boyfriend swoon worthy. Totally recommend this book you wont be disappointed.

3.5 stars rounded up

Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire follows Jackson and Blakely’s story. This book is a dual POV, age gap, forbidden by her dad romance. I got to listen to the audiobook which was actually pretty good. I would give the audiobook alone 4 stars because the duet was a little awkward at times since the actor narrating would do the voices for the male and female until perspectives changed. I thought the book itself was 3 stars so I settled on 3.5.

First, what did I like? I liked Jackson a lot in the other books and this one was no exception. I thought the dad forbidding the relationship was good. I also enjoy that I feel a lot of feelings when I am reading the book. It was also better than the last two books but still just as crazy dramatic.

Okay, so what didn’t I like? Well, Jackson should be in jail for messing with a child. I didn’t realize she was that young when I picked up the book but I do want to give a warning that she’s a teenager. I know sometimes age gap romance can be done well but I had to ignore it so many times to have a good time but the book kept on reminding me. I also didn’t like that this book was a guide to how to get an ED. I had to skip some parts because they were pretty triggering.

Again, the book isn’t bad by any means and I like that the books are improving so I’ll probably read the last in the series for closure. I would only recommend this book to people who really like age gap romances or if you just want to listen to something that has an engaging story. I would not recommend this book to anyone who has survived an ED or a toxic age gap romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Emily McIntire for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire beautifully captures the essence of sweet romance through compelling characters and heartfelt emotions. McIntire's writing style skillfully draws readers into the characters' world, allowing them to experience every high and low alongside them. The development of the romance feels genuine and relatable. With a perfect blend of tension, tenderness, and moments that tug at the heartstrings, this book is a delightful read for anyone looking to indulge in a moving love story.

I was surprised by my enjoyment of the book, the first couple chapters I was thinking this would not have been for me but the more the book went on I did start to warm up to the female lead.

I do really like when books don't shy away from the topics touched in this book and I do think that Emily handled these topics very well, which honestly can be quite hit or miss a lot of the time when also handled in a romance book. I do like that we get some healing for both characters and don't feel like one character overshadowed the other even thought their trauma is quite different.

Loved it just as much as the other books in the series. Love Jackson and Blakey together, the forbidden age gap romance had me hooked from the start.

I’m so glad Jax got over his unrequited love for a girl who was never going to love him like that. Reading Blakely’s story was a little difficult due to the eating disorder and anxiety attacks. I did like how these issues were handled though.

Jax is working on cars in Hollywood which was his dad’s dream until he got sick. Jax meets Blakely and he finds her annoying. Plus she’s his boss’ daughter and she is younger than him.

Blakely is trying to make a name for herself other than the one her daddy gave her. She is a popular influencer but behind the scenes she is dealing with a lot of loneliness and pressure.

Jax and Blakely start to like each other and become very close until their worlds collide and things aren’t as easy as they thought it would be.

The narrators are great in bringing the characters to life.
I loved the story even though a sometines felt like blakely is a little shallow.
Her struggles are real and the issues she dealt with in this book are very important!
I loved Jackson and sometimes I felt sorry for him, He is the one who makes sure Blakley gets help even when he is heart is broken and I fell for him a little that moment.
This was an emotional ride that I enjoyed and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

I got approved for this without reading the other books ( i didn't realise its a series) But it can be read as a standalone. I don't mind age gaps, but the 19 vs 28 years old is quite a big one. Its a typical story of she's too young, he is off limits, but they somehow just get each other like no one else does.

There is OCD, eating disorders and anxiety rep here which is rare to see in contemporary romances. It was wonderful seeing a man see her struggles and not try to change her.

I definatly could not forget their age gap here though. As it is quite obvious. But if you don't mind you will enjoy this, its an angsty forbidden romance with spice and mental health rep.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ALC of this book.
I’ve had my eye on this series and starting on the 3rd book was kind of scary, but it honestly wasn’t an issue for understanding the characters and the story. But now I definitely have to back track because I’m dying to know more about these other people👀

I had some concern over the age gap, but I found myself falling in love with the dynamic of Blakey and Jackson. They truly help and love each other in ways that they each deserved. Their dynamic was believable and fun to get to know.

I also usually don’t love stories about someone’s who’s an influencer.
Pretty much all my concern for that flew out the door nearly halfway through. I found myself rooting for Blakey, even after writing her off as an immature young girl at first.

Both Blakey and Jackson grew in the story and those are the kinds of stories I end up remembering way after finishing the book.

When I picked up this book, I did not realize that it was part of a series! Even though this book can be read on its own without reading the others, reading this one has put the other ones in the series on my TBR list! I thought this was so super cute. Jackson is a dream and easy to love. Blakely is also someone who really grows into her skin and learns to live in the moment more. Jackson is a huge part of that transformation. I also enjoyed the mental health emphasis in here. I though the author did a great job of describing in perfectly but with care as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the others!

A gritty, emotionally charged romance that explores healing, identity, and the power of being seen—though not without a few bumps along the way.

Emily McIntire’s Beneath the Hood is a raw, character-driven story that blends emotional vulnerability with a slow-burning, forbidden romance. It follows Blakely, a social media influencer who’s grown weary of the curated perfection of her online life, and Jackson, a quiet, brooding mechanic with a painful past and a heart of gold. When their worlds collide under unexpected circumstances, both are forced to confront the masks they wear and the wounds they’ve buried.

What stood out to me most was the emotional depth McIntire brings to her characters. Blakely’s struggle with anxiety, disordered eating, and the pressure of public image felt authentic and sensitively handled. Jackson, meanwhile, is a refreshing male lead—gentle, patient, and deeply empathetic. His quiet strength and the way he supports Blakely without trying to “fix” her made their connection feel genuine and earned.

The age-gap dynamic and forced proximity trope added a layer of tension that worked well, especially as their relationship developed slowly and organically. There’s a lot of emotional push and pull, and McIntire doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, complicated parts of falling in love while healing.

That said, the book wasn’t without its flaws. The pacing lagged in the middle, with some scenes feeling repetitive or overly introspective. I also wished we got more insight into Jackson’s backstory—his emotional arc felt a bit underdeveloped compared to Blakely’s. And while the ending was satisfying, it wrapped up a little too neatly given the heavy themes explored throughout the novel.

Overall, Beneath the Hood is a heartfelt, angsty romance that will resonate with readers who enjoy emotionally complex characters and stories about healing. It didn’t quite hit all the marks for me, but I appreciated its honesty and the care McIntire took in portraying mental health and self-worth.

My review: 3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4 ⭐

What a fun summer read! If you want to follow the fabulous life of a famous influencer who is also the boss’s daughter and a sexy older mechanic - this book is for you! Blakey is a beautiful young model who struggles with body dysmorphia, eating disorder issues, perfectionism and loneliness and Jackson struggles getting over his best friend falling in love with the girl of his dreams. They find each other when Jackson is asked to watch over Blakely at a club and sparks start to fly. They become good friends and Jackson becomes a huge support for Blakely. Jackson is the only person who sees Blakely for everything she is and becomes her only safe haven. It’s a contemporary romance filled with love, loss, resilience and supporting each other through the darkness. Beautifully written and fun to enjoy!

It's been years since I read my first Emily McIntire book... Who would have thought I would circle back to the Sugarlake Series!
I listened to the audiobook, and I'll be honest... I was absolutely not a fan of the male narrator. It was a struggle for me to listen to him BUT the story was so compelling that I powered through!
Beneath the Hood was definitely an entertaining story. Seeing these two navigate the fact that they are from two different worlds and obviously they have things from their past they have to deal with, was so interesting to me. I though Jax was the perfect MMC and he truly made this book for me!

The narrator for this was great! Unfortunately, I just could not get into the story. Something felt off, but it might have just been me.

I’d love to read other books that the author has written. I think that this one just wasn’t for me.